Advocating an argument-based approach, Blended Language Program Evaluation presents a framework for planning, conducting, and appraising evaluation of blended language learning across three institutional levels, and demonstrates its utility and application in four case studies carried out in diverse international contexts.
This book focuses on the investigation of the sustainability of technology integration in the context of language programs and is based on an 18-month longitudinal study of a blended EAP (English for Academic Purposes) language program situated within a university pathways course. The integration of technology into language teaching and learning in academic English programs often demands substantial investment in professional development, curriculum change, and technological resources. Given the intense effort required, sustainability of such efforts has gained importance, focus, and urgency. Situated in the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, this book frames, and investigates, the sustainability of technology integration through a series of case studies of specific technologies: tablet devices, a Learning Management System, and an interactive presentation app. The authors explore sustainable integration of technology; the use of argument-based approaches as a basis for research design; and participant ethnography as a form of data collection. The book concludes by looking at the implications of the research and proposes that change management concepts be applied to better introduce, implement, and most importantly, sustain change involving educational technology integration. The content will be of interest to scholars in TESOL and applied linguistics as well as professional language educators who will benefit from insights into sustaining technology integration in their programs.
"US World Languages (WL) departments have been rapidly growing their online language programs. Coupled with the widespread implementation of virtual teaching in response to COVID-19, there has been a tremendous increase in online teaching and learning of languages. Even with many resources and preparation time, there are few resources assessment tools that evaluate the quality of online content and instruction. This book will fill the gap. King Ramirez, Lafford, and Wermers provide critical pedagogical approach to CALL teacher education (CTE) training and assessment of online language instructors by combining best practices with assessment tools to provide support and guidance to WL teachers and administrators to help build successful and strong online programs. They walk readers through the process, taking a holistic approach to address all facets of learning and environment, including equitable and fair trainings. The authors provide extensive rubrics and tools to help improve WL teaching online and explain important considerations in adapting them to each program's needs. In addition, there will be free worksheets on the press website (press.georgetown.edu) to further lead readers to success"--
The book proposes a comprehensive framework for blended language course design. It builds extensively on existing literature on the subject and draws from empirical research presented therein. The framework will be of help for blended language course authors and designers, as well as publishers, heads of studies, teacher trainers, decision makers at all levels and also language teachers.
Blended Basic Language Courses: Design, Pedagogy, and Implementation examines lower-division blended courses in fifty-two second language programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Drawing upon a large-scale original study of language faculty, instructors, program directors, and students who have experience with blended classes of thirteen languages other than English, this volume provides new information about the breadth of blended course designs and implementation strategies in use in basic language programs. The mixed-methods study, conducted with surveys and interviews, recommends ways that institutions, departments, and instructors can make the most of digital pedagogy to support student learning, both in officially blended courses and at all levels of technological integration, from fully face-to-face to fully online.
Online and blended learning requires the reconstruction of instructor and learner roles, relations, and practices in many aspects. Assessment becomes an important issue in non-traditional learning environments. Assessment literacy, i.e., understanding assessment and assessment strategies, is critical for both instructors and students in creating online and blended environments that are effective for teaching and learning. Instructors need to identify and implement assessment strategies and methods appropriate to online or blended learning. This includes an understanding of the potential of a variety of technology tools for monitoring student learning and improving their teaching effectiveness. From the students’ perspective, good assessment practices can show them what is important to learn and how they should approach learning; hence, engaging them in goal-oriented and self-regulatory cognitions and behaviors. The book targets instructors, instructional designers, and educational leaders who are interested in understanding and implementing either summative or formative assessment in online and blended learning environments. This book will assist the relevant audience in the theory and practice of assessment in online and blended learning environments. Providing both a research and practice perspective, this book can help instructors make the connection between pedagogy and technology tools to maximize their teaching and student learning. Among the questions addressed in this book are: • What assessment strategies can be used in online or blended learning? • How can instructors design effective assessment strategies? • What methods or technology tools can be used for assessment in online or blended learning? • How does peer-assessment work in online or blended learning environments?
Offers a wide-ranging overview of the issues and research approaches in the diverse field of applied linguistics Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field that identifies, examines, and seeks solutions to real-life language-related issues. Such issues often occur in situations of language contact and technological innovation, where language problems can range from explaining misunderstandings in face-to-face oral conversation to designing automated speech recognition systems for business. The Concise Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics includes entries on the fundamentals of the discipline, introducing readers to the concepts, research, and methods used by applied linguists working in the field. This succinct, reader-friendly volume offers a collection of entries on a range of language problems and the analytic approaches used to address them. This abridged reference work has been compiled from the most-accessed entries from The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (www.encyclopediaofappliedlinguistics.com), the more extensive volume which is available in print and digital format in 1000 libraries spanning 50 countries worldwide. Alphabetically-organized and updated entries help readers gain an understanding of the essentials of the field with entries on topics such as multilingualism, language policy and planning, language assessment and testing, translation and interpreting, and many others. Accessible for readers who are new to applied linguistics, The Concise Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics: Includes entries written by experts in a broad range of areas within applied linguistics Explains the theory and research approaches used in the field for analysis of language, language use, and contexts of language use Demonstrates the connections among theory, research, and practice in the study of language issues Provides a perfect starting point for pursuing essential topics in applied linguistics Designed to offer readers an introduction to the range of topics and approaches within the field, The Concise Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics is ideal for new students of applied linguistics and for researchers in the field.